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4 Low-Sugar Snacks You Should Stash at the Office

My Recipes 12/10/2018 Sarra Sedghi

a plate of food on a table © DebbiSmirnoff/Getty Images Nutritionists say it’s best to avoid huge meals in favor of spreading out a series of healthy portions over a day. Or, you may be like me and never feel full even if you do graze all day long.

When you’re frazzled and low on energy, a protein bar or whatever else is lying around the office—a bucket of candy, instant oatmeal, even fruit—seems like a godsend. And in moderation, that stuff’s totally fine.

The issue comes when that easy fare becomes a major staple in your diet and you end up ingesting a large amount of unnecessary sugars. Too much sugar isn’t just bad for your body—it can also break your concentration and make your head feel funny (thanks, rushes and crashes!), and that’s the last thing you need on the job.

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The solution, then, is to stash reliable stuff somewhere accessible, like on your desk, in the drawer, or even in the community fridge. Be prepared: It’s the Girl Scout motto and the first rule of workplace snacking.

Gallery: 3 Easy Vegan Meals Which Require Little-To-No Washing Up (Refinery29)

a wooden cutting board with a cake on a table: You've got much better things to do than the washing up. Things like finally getting round to trying (and perfecting) the slicked-back hair look. Things like revisiting iconic British television history with a Changing Rooms marathon (loads on YouTube, you're welcome) or finally getting your side hustle (a shop on eBay selling stuff you nicked from your mum's wardrobe, what of it?) off the ground. Basically, a busy woman like you has no business spending hours doing washing up. Which is why one-pot dinners (cooking your entire dinner in one tray or pot) are the way forward. Heck, you can even eat your dinner straight out of the pot if you really want to streamline the process. To get you started, healthy-eating restaurant Leon has literally just released a new book on this very subject and has kindly shared a few of its vegan offerings with us. Click through to get inspiration for your very own one-pot meal this evening – so you've got time for all the other important things you've got going on.

The second rule of workplace snacking is to snack smart. Protein should be at the core of your snack, and mixing that item with a fat or complex carb will prolong satiety. It’s just like a meal; eating large quantities of one food won’t fill you up as effectively as moderate amounts of a few different foods, my personal theory on why all entrees need at least one companion.

Cheese

Cheese © Provided by Shutterstock Cheese Whether it’s a personal plate, a handful of curds, or sampling a variety without paying too much, we at MyRecipes love our cheese very much. Done right, cheese is an awesome base for a snack or tiny meal. The key is in the accoutrements. It can be as simple as string cheese and an apple or as extra as a display of multiple sliced cheeses and fruits.

Assorted vegetables

© Provided by Shutterstock If you’ve ever eaten an entire veggie tray for dinner (like me), then you’re well aware these team players aren’t just useful at parties. Buy a tray if that’s your thing, but you can also chop some vegetables at home and pack them in a Tupperware container. Add hummus or tzatziki for a protein-rich spread or dip.

Raw nuts

Nuts © Provided by Shutterstock Nuts Nuts, especially cashews, are packed with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. However, they're often flavored or roasted, making them laden with unncessary sugar and sodium. Cashews are especially fantastic raw and don't taste that different from their salted, rosted counterparts, and almonds are ubiquitous enough that a raw variety won't surprise any palates. You can also use those nuts to spice up your mini cheese plate.

Canned tuna

Love it or hate it, canned and pouched tuna thrives. It’s portable, non-perishable, and versatile, which makes it a perfect office snack. Add a little oomph to the standard tuna-and-cracker combo with a spread, like hummus or cream cheese, or throw in some chopped veggies and the oil or mayonnaise of your choice to make a salad.

Video: This Classic Stuffed Cabbage Is Comfort Food At Its Finest (Delish)